WFTDA Rules 2.1 - Women's Flat Track Derby Association

2.4 JAMS
2.4.1 A period is divided into multiple Jams, which are races between the two teams to
score points. There is no limit to the number of jams allowed each period.
2.4.2 A jam may last up to two minutes.
2.4.3 Between jams, a team has 30 seconds to get into formation.
2.4.4 If all skaters are not ready to start the next jam after the allotted time, the jam will
start without the missing skater(s) and the team will skate short or out of
formation for that jam.
2.4.4.1 Pivots and jammers are considered ready if they are on the track,
stationary and are actively putting on their helmet covers when the first
whistle of the jam blows (this is the whistle to start the pack rolling).
2.4.4.2 Blockers are considered ready if they are on the track and stationary
when the first whistle of the jam blows (this is the whistle to start the pack
rolling).
2.4.5 If a referee calls off a jam with four short whistle blasts, then the jam is over. The
jam will not continue even if the whistle was inadvertent or incorrect.
2.5 OVERTIME
2.5.1 If the score is tied at the end of a bout, a final overtime jam will determine the
winner. After one minute to regroup, the teams will skate a full two-minute jam.
This jam will have no lead jammer, and penalties may be called. Jammers will
begin accruing points on their first pass through the pack. The team with the
most points at the end of the overtime jam is the bout winner. If the score is still
tied, additional jams will be played until the tie is broken.
2.6 TIMEOUTS
2.6.1 Each team is allowed three one-minute timeouts per game.
2.6.2 To take the timeout, the captain or designated alternate will signal the officials
and make a T signal with her hands, to indicate that she is requesting a timeout.
Referees will signal for the clock to stop.
2.6.3 The timeout may only be taken between jams.
2.6.4 Referees may call an officials timeout at any point. This will stop the clock so that
referees have time to review a call or adjust the number of skaters on the floor.
2.7 PENALTY BOX
2.7.1 For each game, benches or seats must be provided to make up the “Penalty
Box.” This is the designated area where major penalties will be served. The
benches or seats must be capable of accommodating a total of five persons
including the penalty timekeeper.
2.7.2 The penalty benches must be situated in an easily accessible, neutral area close
to the track. Teams may use separate penalty boxes.
2.8 CLOCKS
2.8.1 Each game will have separate penalty clocks, jam clocks and period clocks.
2.8.2 Period Clock
2.8.2.1 The period clock starts on the first whistle of the first jam.
2.8.2.2 The period clock does not stop between jams unless a timeout is called.
The period clock will stop during the timeout.
2.8.2.3 Referees must stop the period clock between jams when time exceeds
30 seconds.
2.8.3 Jam Clock
2.8.3.1 The jam clock starts on the first whistle of the jam.
2.8.3.2 The jam clock stops at the end of each jam (on the fourth whistle).
2.8.4 Penalty Clocks
2.8.4.1 Each game must have enough time clocks to track up to four penalties
simultaneously. (see Section 6.5 for details on penalty timing
procedures)
2.8.4.2 The penalty clock stops between jams (see Section 6.5.3 for procedure)
WFTDA Rules 2.1 Page 3
© 2007 Women’s Flat Track Derby Association